Bodies identified as missing Iowa cousins

Authorities have identified the bodies of Elizabeth Collins, 8, and her cousin, Lyric Cook, 10, who'd been missing since July.

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Girls' disappearance sparked a massive volunteer search effort

Sheriff vows vigilance in pursuit of those responsible

Lyric Cook, 10, and Elizabeth Collins, 8, had been missing since July

Hunters found their bodies in a wooded area last week

Relatives of 10-year-old Lyric Cook and 8-year-old Elizabeth Collins got news Monday that no family wants.

Authorities identified the bodies found by hunters in a wooded area last week as those of the two young Iowa cousins, missing since July. Their bodies were found in the Seven Bridges Wildlife Area in Bremer County.

Chief Kent Smock of the Evansdale, Iowa, Police Department, confirmed the news and said that the girls' families had been notified, according to a statement from the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office.

The cause of the death in both cases is pending.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those precious little girls," said Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson.

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He vowed vigilance in pursuit of those responsible, and said no resource would be spared so that "justice may prevail."

Lyric and Elizabeth were last seen by their grandmother on July 13 when they left for a bike ride. The girls' bicycles and a purse were found near Meyers Lake in Evansdale,hours after they were reported missing.